BIKE PARK

Cairo, Egypt

The bicycle park is the largest, 200 acres, park built in Egypt’s recent history and is the first in Egypt and the Middle East where biking is the prime outdoor activity. It is located in al-Mustaqbal City, approximately 50 km east of Cairo, and is in close proximity to several new developments that jointly contribute to desert reclamation and to the current urban expansion.

Sites International was charged with developing the master plan and landscape design for the project.  The project held several major challenges. It is located on a desert plot where major road intersections partitioned the land into three sections as well as housing key community services including a water treatment center, and gas lines. The latter called for special attention and treatment to functionalize the design.  Sites International, working closely with the client, developed a fully inclusive vision for the park to dually meet biking conditions but serve as a fully integrated recreational and sport site for all the surrounding new developments.

The design plan offers a variety of themes for the segmented linear parks ranging from formal to arid and educational. The bicycle and pedestrian networks, including bridges and tunnels between segments, interweave the parks and plazas to unite them together.    The Bike Park can easily host short and long distance racing for one loop around the park is close to 8 km, a sorely missed activity venue.  Along the track networks visitors encounter tennis courts, amphitheater, and playgrounds. Food outlets and restaurants are strategically situated within each area with ample shaded seating areas. The vast open spaces are adorned with trees, flowering shrubs, ground covers, and an array of water features, lakes, water cascades, fountains and streams.

Landscape design and the planting strategy is sustainability conscious. All planting is local or adaptive due to the parks limited water allocation. Solar panels and wind mills are presented in the plan for further energy conservation. Elements used in roadscape and hardscape favor home products and local artisans.

The client has re-engaged Sites International for  construction, site supervision and to start the architectural and engineering aspects for the site.  The park will offer recreational and sporting elements for year-round active opportunities and the transcended green haven will be a magnet for visitors to revel in its free open spaces.